The former Grande Designs Floral Company in Downtown Painesville is reopening under a new name, Flowers on Main.
Ron Robertson and Marcelo Marques are pleased to be the new owners of the longtime flower shop at 188 Main St.
This well-known floral business has been an integral part of the community for over 20 years, but the shop closed last year following the death of the owner.
Robertson, 65 and Marques, 54, from Painesville plan to open the doors of Flowers on Main by Feb. 7.
“It was pure happenstance that we acquired the shop,” Robertson said.
After a mishap with seating at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio Festival of Trees Gala, Robertson and Marques were seated at the table with several city leaders.
Robertson noted they were with Fine Arts Association CEO John Shepard, Downtown Painesville Organization Executive Director David Polakowski, Downtown Painesville Organization Board president Debra Remington, and Painesville City Council President Paul Hach.
“We started talking and it was history from there,” he said.
After discovering that Robertson and Marques were previous flower shop owners, Remington told them about the vacant shop in Painesville.
Marques said the overwhelming support shown by the community helped them make the decision.
Robertson adds that they fell in love with the location, noting that there is always traffic on Main Street.
Along with two new owners and a new name, the 1,600-square-foot shop will also have a new look. Extensive renovations were completed, including a remodeled restroom; LED lighting throughout; new flooring; fresh paint and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
Additionally, it will be stocked with new displays, coolers, flowers and products including balloons and cards. Delivery services will also be available.
“We are trying to think outside of the box,” Marques said.
So, they will also showcase local products by Lynn Moon and international imports.
The imports will include various table linens that are hand-made in villages in Brazil.
“We will work closely with Bouts and Bouquets Flower Shop in Geneva,” Robertson said. “They have been a tremendous help and great support.”
Although, Flowers on Main has not officially opened, the orders have already begun lining up.
“We already have $800 worth of sales and three wedding consults,” Robertson said.
Marques credits the BNI Northeast Ohio, a referral organization.
The couple are already thinking about the future and plans to hold sidewalk sales and participate in city events like the annual Farmer’s Market.
Robertson and Marques are looking to hire one experienced designer. Inquiries can be emailed to flowersonmainpainesville@gmail.com.
Flowers on Main’s anticipated hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.
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